Prada Deputy Store Director, Selfridges

Founded in 1913 in Italy, the Prada Group was built on a tradition of excellence and with a vision of innovation. The Group, a world leader in the luxury sector, operates in more than 45 countries with the PRADA, Miu Miu, Versace, Church's, Car Shoe and Luna Rossa brands, and has employees of over 100 nationalities.

JOB PURPOSE

You act as the Store Director's alter ego and deputy, and are expected to step in and take leadership of the store whenever required. As the Prada Deputy Store Director, you are a passionate Brand Ambassador and business leader who embodies and communicates the Prada philosophy and values to the local market, the store team and clients. You are a driven business owner who holds yourself accountable for supporting the Store Director and Concessions Managers in achieving strong overall store performance, including assisting with the analysis of reports and the development of action plans. You ensure an exceptional client experience by being present on the sales floor and leading by example, always placing the client at the heart of everything you do. You are a motivating and inspiring leader who encourages the team to achieve business goals while ensuring their skills are fully developed and maximised. You oversee all operational activities within the store, ensuring that company policies and procedures are proactively implemented, with consistency and full compliance with corporate guidelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the Store Director in defining business strategies to exceed financial targets and maximise sales performance, contributing to the overall success of the store.
• Make commercial recommendations to the Store Director and relevant functions to drive sales and increase productivity.
• Coach the store team in developing concrete action plans to exceed KPI targets, including cross-selling and up-selling across product categories.
• Remain constantly up to date on market trends and share insights with relevant functions.
• Act as a Brand Ambassador by representing the Company both within the local market (through activities and relevant events) and on the sales floor, ensuring an appropriate approach and exceptional service to clients.
• Foster omni-channel awareness within the team, encouraging and supporting the use of digital tools to strengthen client relationships and achieve business objectives.
• Support the development of the e-commerce channel by ensuring timely responses to received orders and consistently delivering a high standard of service.
• Promote strong product knowledge on the sales floor and collaborate with relevant functions to support product and collection training needs.
• Act as a strong motivator for staff, promoting team spirit through effective communication and cultivating a positive and energetic environment, visible even to clients.
• Be actively involved in the recruitment process (market mapping, profile definition and interviews), in collaboration.
• Support the Store Directors in identifying talent within the team for internal development opportunities, helping to define appropriate development plans and processes.
• Fully master all company tools and applications, including IT and digital platforms, and ensure all new employees are trained on policies and procedures.
• In partnership with the Store Director, ensure efficient team organisation aligned with business needs, including clear delegation of responsibilities.
• Lead by example to ensure the team operates with the highest level of care and respect for the product, demonstrated in every ceremony and procedure.
• Ensure the team is consistently informed about all company initiatives and activities (including the Prada Journal).
• Coordinate with relevant functions to propose and support product and collection training needs.
• Place the client above all else, leading by example to create a welcoming environment and ensuring the team strives to meet every client need and request.
• Foster a client-centric mindset by developing and maintaining strong client relationships and delivering meaningful after-sales experiences.
• Guarantee excellent client satisfaction and the highest level of client service through the consistent execution of the Prada Selling Ceremony.
• Proactively suggest opportunities to the Store Director to acquire new customers and increase MVG/MM/CL/VV repurchase rates.
• Define, together with the Store Director, targeted clientelling actions to strengthen customer loyalty within the boutique.
• In partnership with the Store Director, ensure visual displays attract clients and maximise sales, in line with Company guidelines.
• Work with the Store Director to provide feedback and suggestions, when required, to the Visual Merchandising and Retail Merchandising departments.
• Ensure strict adherence to Company procedures relating to cash handling, inventory, logistics, and all key reporting activities required by Head Office.
• In collaboration with the Store Director, guarantee the effective and efficient care of Company assets in the back of house, while ensuring strong cooperation with the front of house team.
• Ensure staff grooming standards are consistently met.
• Promote synergy and collaboration between front and back of house teams.
• Together with the Store Director, ensure the store complies with all requirements related to inventory control management and the organisation of activities linked to fiscal stock inventories.
• In line with Company guidelines, propose new opportunities for local events in partnership with local stakeholders and influencers.
• Analyse and benchmark local competitors' events and share insights with the Head Office Events department.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Experience within a luxury retail environment is highly desirable.
• A genuine enthusiasm for fashion, art, and the broader luxury ethos.
• Solid understanding of the luxury market and product specifics.
• A strong focus on people, demonstrated through the ability to lead, motivate, and inspire a team.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment (ideally department stores).
• CRM & Clientelling experience is required.
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Strong commercial awareness.
• Awareness of local employment and retail legislation.
• Willingness to work flexibly as required to meet the operational needs of the store.

Joining our Company means working in a creative and international environment, with teams of people motivated by curiosity and the quest for excellence. The engine of our success is the importance and value that we place on the talent and passion of our people leading to their own professional growth. Prada Group promotes an inclusive work environment, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or other personal characteristics. We believe that diversity is a value and we are committed to build a fair and respectful workplace for all.